LEXINGTON, Ky. -The University of Kentuckywomen’s basketball team defeated a Top 20 opponentfor the second time in six days on Sunday, claiming a68-67 victory over No. 16 Auburn at MemorialColiseum. It was the Wildcats first win over Auburn inMemorial Coliseum since 1982. Guard Tiffany Waitnetted a three pointer with two minutes remaining to putthe Wildcats up by three 68-65. The Tigers, led byforward Kris Bernath’s career-high 15 points, attempteda comeback but was stopped by UK’s defensive attack.
“I think our team plays defense real well,” Coach Bernadette Mattox said.”Sometimes we slack off a bit like we did tonight, but I believe we are ateam that relies on its defense to win games.” The Tigers jumped out to aseven-point lead with 13:47 to go in the first half before UK went on a 6-0run to cut the lead to one at 13-12. After the teams traded baskets, Auburnwent on an 8-0 run of its own to take a nine point lead with 7:16 remaining inthe half. But once again, the Wildcats would come back. Jaye Barnes scoredwith 10.6 seconds left in the half to cut the Auburn lead to four before NikkiHay stole the inbounds pass and converted a layup to bring the Wildcats towithin two, 35-33, at the half.
UK continued its strong play early in the second half, taking a five-point leadwith 14:10 to go in the game. But Auburn posted a 13-0 run to claim a55-47 advantage with 9:23 remaining. Kentucky fought back to tie the gameat 65-65 with 2:41 left before Wait’s heroics put UK ahead for good. “Thiswas our first SEC game and it was at home,” Wait said. “We were fired upand we were able to go out and execute on offense. The atmosphere wasgreat and we’re on a winning streak. We’ve got this winning attitude now andour confidence is there.” Wait scored a team-high 15 points and Barnesadded 11 points and nine rebounds, despite missing two days of practicewith bronchitis. Reserve guard Nikki Hay added seven points on three offour shooting, while reserve forward Stephanie Christman scored eight as theUK bench outscored the Auburn substitutes 23-8.
The Wildcats (5-4, 1-0 SEC) have won their last four games, including a66-64 overtime win over 12th-ranked Western Kentucky on Dec. 8. UKwill travel to Oxford, Ohio on Saturday, Dec. 20 to face the RedHawks ofMiami at 2 p.m.
